Bob Olson
Bob was born on November 19, 1937 to the late Edwin D. Olson and the late Margaret Olson (nee Carroll), he entered into eternity peacefully on January 21, 2024. His mother always told him I don’t care what you do in life, just be a good man. Well, he did that and then some! He always told everyone how blessed he was with a wonderful family and amazing friends.
He is the eldest brother of Margaret “Peg” Olson, Victor (Sandra) Olson, and the late Kenneth (the late Susan) Olson. He will be remembered fondly as an uncle “Unicle” to his nieces Kimberly (Michael) Heran, Lisa Olson (the late Marcial Rivera), Victoria (Salvatore) DeLucia, Tracy (Charles) Luker, Kristina (Richard) Pacheco, and Heather (Ignacio) Urtubi. He’s the proud great uncle to 10 grand nephews and 1 grand niece, James and Ryan Heran, Zachariah Rivera, Darren Barile, Kenny and Charlie Luker, Alexandra, Eric, and David Pacheco, and Sebastian and Matias Urtubi.
Having no children of his own, he became the “adopted” father and mentor to O’Cephus Starks Sr. and Romeo Kasvose who both cared lovingly for him through his later years.
Bob was a proud educator serving as a teacher in the Chicago Public School System over 35 years and retired as principal of Vanderpoel Elementary where he mentored many students. Notably, he has the distinction of being the first white teacher at Fenger High School to teach African-American history.
He was a great humanitarian, having helped many young African Americans, Africans, and others by opening his home, mentoring those people and providing financial support for those in need. He has hosted students in his home from all over the world including Africa, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbeckistan, and Ecuador.
Always helping and caring, he was a longtime supporter of the Augustinian Chulucanas Mission in Peru for Bishop John McNabb.
He was blessed with countless friends who knew him to be an avid bridge player. An amazing entertainer, he started to prepare his meals early morning and he took great pride in feeding others. Many have been fearful, but no one ever succumbed to his expiration dates. An extremely thrifty shopper was he who could send a customer service department into a frenzy over a missing 7 cent discount, Bob would plan his day searching out all the papers for the best sales and coupon offers. He would travel 10 miles or more to save a penny more off a gallon of gas! He will always be remembered as an accomplished dancer (i.e. The shoulder dance) and was the life of every party. He thought he made many mistakes, but later he discovered he was wrong.
We will cherish and remember all the memories and stories of life he gave us over the years. Please have a manhattan or drink of your choice in his honor. Raise your glass and celebrate a man of great integrity who will live in all of our hearts forever.
Visitation Friday 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., at Donnellan Funeral Home 10525 S. Western Ave., Chicago. Family and friends will meet Saturday directly at St. Barnabas Church 10134 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Int. Private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Midwest Augustinians 10161 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, IL 60643. For info (773) 238-0075 or sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com
January 27, 2024 – 10:00am cst
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